Syracuse Student Gives Back at Crouse

Luke Sippel, a senior at Syracuse University, received a compliment from nursing staff on his very first day as a volunteer:

“Luke was easily the best volunteer we’ve ever had. You can ask anyone who met him today!”

Triple-major Luke – economics, biology and neuroscience – wanted to volunteer at Crouse as a way to immerse himself in the medical field. He is hoping to go to medical school after he graduates this spring.

“I spent time in the NICU as a baby and when my parents weren’t able to be there with me, they relied on hospital volunteers,” Luke says.  He began volunteering here this fall. He also volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House in Syracuse.

Growing up in Michigan, his dad worked in medical sales, which Luke says has been a big inspiration for him to go into medicine.

“I just try to be helpful in any way possible,” Luke says of his volunteer experience. “I check in with the nurses and tell them I am here to help with anything: refilling patients’ water cups, help with discharge or just sitting with patients.”

Luke says sitting with one patient found him a study buddy – “I mentioned I was student and that I had a biochemistry test coming up and the patient said that was his field of study and we got to talking,” – while others have just offered Luke new perspectives on his potential future career.

“I think I want to get into pediatrics,” Luke says, “but who knows!”

For now, he’s just enjoying the experience he’s getting at Crouse.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Crouse, visit crouse.org/volunteer.

Laurie Clark is the Director of Communications Crouse Health.